Men's track sends teams to compete in both California and North Carolina

Only a week since spring break and the men's track and field team returned to sunny Californian and Carolinian climates. But this trip was all business.

The men's track and field team split for the weekend. A contingent of distance runners traveled to Palo Alto for the prestigious Stanford Invitational while a second small group of runners and throwers participated in the Raleigh Relays at North Carolina State University.

To qualify for the NCAA championship meet, it is necessary to have one of the top 16 times in the country; as a result, much of collegiate racing reverts to time trials. In addition, there is a small handful of meets that take place over the course of the spring to which most top collegiate runners travel, in pursuit of good conditions, fast racing mates and an NCAA qualifying time. The Stanford Invitational is one such meet.

Although none of the Tigers posted a provisional qualifying time, competing against such a high caliber field this early in the season should pay dividends as they build towards the Heptagonal Championship and further NCAA qualifying opportunities.

Sophomore Tristan Colangelo—a miler in high school—notched a personal best 5000m with a strong time of 14:12.61, while classmate Jon Kielszak crossed the line in 14:15.61. While the provisional qualifying time for the men's 5000m is 14:07, given that only the top 16 times nationally are accepted, Colangelo and Kielszak will spend the spring chasing a time in the sub-14:00 range.

Sophomore Josh Kauke, a high school All-American, ran a strong early season 800m in 1:50.96 to place 15th in a loaded field.

The Raleigh Relays also saw some strong Tiger performances. Notable was sophomore two-time All-America Josh McCaughey's fourth-place throw of 60.58 meters (198-09.00 ft), in the hammer throw, just 2'11" shy of his school record (202'8").

Senior Seamus Wealton ran a respectable 1500m, crossing the line in 3:52.62.

Sophomore Ryan Teising, one of the longest running of the long distance runners, opened his outdoor season with a grueling 25 lap race, the 10,000m, and ran a solid 30:49. Due to the punishing nature of the 10km race, athletes can only schedule a limited number per season. Thus Teising will have to rely on training rather than extensive racing as he chases the provisional standard of 29:45.

With the completion of these jaunts to warmer climates, the outdoor season is in full swing for the track and field team as it hosts the Sam Howell Invitational this weekend, with distance races scheduled for Friday evening.